Maybe Declan Rice. Watched a few game compilations, and he's better than I expected. Decent passing and awareness, and physically very strong.

For me its Rice first and foremost. Get him in early in the window and then see what other business is out there. I really came around on a potential Rice/Caicedo midfield after this January window but feel like Caicedo might become a bidding war we don't want.

The Milinkovic-Savic rumors are interesting to me. He's a tough player to get a feel for - reminds me of Pogba in that he's more of a luxury midfielder. He won't dominate a game on his own but if you have a great team around him, he could be that extra piece to take the team to the next level, especially in the Xhaka role. Sounds like he would be available for a decent fee this summer too.

After that, I'd want to just be opportunistic in the market for another winger/attacker. If a Diaby/Leao were to become available, see if we can pounce. We don't need a lot of players in but the players we bring in this summer have to be world class IMO, with the exception of trying to get Fresneda before he hits another level.

I'd love Rice too I have to say. I reckon he'd be very useful when it comes to dominating midfield.

No way we get him early though, as you can bet there will be a big difference in valuation and those usually drag on. Moyes is already making sounds about record fees etc.

But hopefully Edu and co will start working on that and get a sensible deal done.

    Not spending big in January might be a blessing. With City now in the proverbial, their situation is the one to watch. It looks like they will be out on the likes of Bellingham, Caicedo, And Leão, but their players may well be off.
    Alvarez, and Rodri for start would be fantastic.

    goon Rice has 12 months on his deal. If we break the record transfer for him or even close we are absolute mugs.

      Leao intrigues me.

      He’s an absolute terror and I still think there’s a level for him to go up. My only concern is he’s mostly played at LWF which would be a little stacked with Martinelli, Trossard, and potentially even ESR.

      Feels like we need a RWF more, or to see if Martinelli could play on the right.

        Qwiss Rice has 12 months on his deal. If we break the record transfer for him or even close we are absolute mugs.

        Pretty sure West Ham have an option to extend it to 2025.

        If City somehow get punished and there is an exodus this summer, Foden would be the one I would be looking to get. Alvarez as well, but Foden and Odegaard would be an outrageous midfield pairing.

          MistaT I have watched Leao extensively for the past 4 games. Too lazy to track back, not really a team player IMO to fit Tetball. Very low intensity in his game.

            samthegooner
            Foden or Silva next to Odegaard would be the stuff of dreams.

            Alvarez is the exact striker who would thrive here as well.

            I'd like someone with a bit more oomph. Don't wanna go full tikki takka. Arsenal should always go for power + technique in midfield.

            Clrnc This is my concern with Leao as well. He's immensely talented- on his offensive output alone, he's been one of my dream winger signings. But the more I have watched him in full games, he doesn't put in much effort at all when he doesn't have the ball or they aren't on the break. It's very noticeable especially when compared with Martinelli, who is constantly pressing and running without the ball. Not sure if he would work well with Arteta, which is probably why we haven't seen as many links to him as someone like Diaby.

            How would folks feel with Ansu Fati this summer? Have seen some dodgy sources saying that Arsenal is interested if Barca decides to sell this summer. He's still only 20 years old and has actually been healthy this year, despite having issues the last few years, but just hasn't played as much as he would like to be playing. I like him a lot but have no idea if Barca would entertain selling him and if so, what his fee would be.

              samthegooner He's had a really bad injury, from what I've read not looked the same player. Talent wise up there with the best though, at the right price might be worth a punt?

                The player I'd look to unlock is Moukoko. He was unbelievable as a kid. So much stronger and faster and more sure footed than folks way older than him - a sure thing if I'd ever seen one, and then steps it up to pro football and just looks thoroughly average? This game can be a mystery sometimes.

                  JazzG lorddulaarsenal Good points. I still don't have him as high on my wish list for wingers/attackers as someone like Diaby but would likely be worth looking into if he does become available this summer. I want to address the midfield first and foremost and then be opportunistic in the market with an attacker.

                  flobaba The player I'd look to unlock is Moukoko.

                  Whenever I saw this name I think of Tonton Zola from early Championship Manager